Is Tempe (Downtown) Expensive?

Phoenix, United States

+5% vs Phoenix avg

Living in Tempe (Downtown), Phoenix

Tempe (Downtown) is a moderately-priced area within Phoenix, with a cost of living index of 61.8 — that is +5% compared to the Phoenix average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #11 out of 30 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,522/month, compared to a range of $1,015 in Avondale to $2,030 in Paradise Valley.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Tempe (Downtown), housing takes up roughly 46% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 16%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $60,900 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Tempe (Downtown)

Salaries in Tempe (Downtown) reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 61.8:

After tax and deductions of 21.6% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $60,900 would be roughly $47,746/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

61.8
COLI Index
1.05x
vs City Avg
$1,522
Est. 1BR Rent
#11
of 30 Areas
21.6%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Tempe (Downtown)

Estimated annual deductions on a $46,350 salary in Tempe (Downtown), Phoenix (local employee).

Income Tax
11%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (AZ)
2.5%
Total Deductions: 21.6%
Est. Take-Home: $36,315/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Tempe (Downtown) would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $46,350
London GBP £39,888
Dubai AED AED 231,925

Other Neighborhoods in Phoenix

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Paradise Valley 82.5 1.40x +40%
Scottsdale (Old Town) 76.6 1.30x +30%
Biltmore 75.4 1.28x +28%
Arcadia 73.6 1.25x +25%
Scottsdale (North) 71.9 1.22x +22%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Phoenix →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in Tempe (Downtown), Phoenix to maintain your lifestyle.

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Tempe (Downtown):

Woodstock, Portland Tenjin, Fukuoka Kingsland, Auckland North Loop, Austin Crestview, Austin Cary, Raleigh

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tempe (Downtown) expensive in Phoenix?

Tempe (Downtown) is near the city average for Phoenix. Costs are about +5% vs the average, making it a mid-range neighborhood.

How does Tempe (Downtown) compare to the Phoenix average?

The cost of living in Tempe (Downtown) is above the Phoenix average. With a multiplier of 1.05x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +5% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.